Even more impressively, they were able to raise approximately $50,000 in their first full year of operation. And because so much of the donations ($.95) of every dollar donated) goes directly to their cause, hundreds of animals have been helped already. As examples, in the past year, a dog named Rai had a diseased eye removed, Rover had his pelvis repaired after being hit on the interstate, Sheeba. the cat, had a mammary tumor removed, 10 dogs have had heart worm treatments, and 178 animals have been spayed/neutered all things that would have been otherwise impossible without SCAMP. “You would think there’s enough money in the county budget for something so basic as a spay and neuter… but there isn’t, ” Lapre reiterates. “That’s why SCAMP is needed to make It PAWSible.” The next goal SCAMP hopes to tackle is making improvements to the aging CCAC facility. While the needed renovations could cost upward of $100,000, it is difficult for them to sit idle while bent wires and damaged plexiglass remain safety concerns to their four-legged inhabitants. Another thought on their radar is the growing need for on-site spay/ neuter surgeries. This in itself would be another major
impact, and to make their efforts more longterm, SCAMP leaders believe that educating the community about responsible pet ownership is the other piece to their overall mission. It is no secret that dog and cat overpopulation is an immense problem in Tennessee and Cheatham County is no exception. And while it is difficult to tackle the problem of the entire state, SCAMP is actively making a dent at the local level by supporting CCAC, meeting their medical needs of its sheltered animals, reducing unwanted litters, and improving the experience for those animals who find themselves sick, hurt, or displaced right here within the county lines.
investment, but would ultimately provide long-term savings in comparison to paying other organizations for the service. “Ideally in five years, we will be further established where we can better fundraise and obtain grants for these big ticket items,” hopeful board members say. “When making financial decisions, we always consider what we think donors had in mind when they donated, and we want them to have confidence in the organization, and in us, so they feel comfortable knowing their money is being spent wisely.” Not all of the organization’s goals are measured in numbers, though. SCAMP’s founders realize that there are important messages that still need to be brought to light, and they are working just as diligently to educate the public on animal welfare. To make an even bigger
23
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker